Veteran Pro Bowl running back Dandre Swift could be on the trade block during the NFL Draft this year. The Draft is still weeks away, but it’s slowly around the corner as rumors have been swirling that the Bears could select Ashton Jeanty with the first-round pick. If that happens, this means Swift will likely be on the trade block and soon have to find a new team that gives him a new opportunity. Pro Football Focus believes it will happen, as Swift had one of the worst campaigns last year, recording 958 rushing yards for 253 carries.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, it’s unusual that the former Georgia product didn’t have a good season last year, but he might not fit into what Chicago is building. They have a newer regime, and despite getting several offensive linemen this offseason, Swift might not have the opportunity to play behind them. Despite his slow year, the running back had one of his best seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning a Pro Bowl nod while recording 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. Even if the Bears decide not to select Jeanty, they could decide to trade Swift.
The running back might not earn a starting position anymore, but he could easily change the landscape of a team’s ground game if given a legitimate opportunity and these three teams could.
PFF: Veteran Pro Bowler Dandre Swift Could Be On Trade Block During NFL Draft – Chargers, Ravens, Chiefs Leading Candidates?
Rejuvenating Los Angeles
Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers were testing the waters on the ground game, and it seems like they’re taking that route again. J.K. Dobbins had high expectations after signing a one-year deal, but he kept dealing with another injury. The Chargers decided not to deal with that for the foreseeable future, so they’re taking a chance on Najee Harris for a run to see if he fits into this system. However, it’s not a guarantee that he will win the job, but he’s everything that head coach Jim Harbaugh is probably looking for.
With Gus Edwards on the market, the Chargers could use another capable running back. Swift might not be at his prime anymore, but he could easily earn a backup job in Los Angeles. Harbaugh loves running the football, and he could bring out some juice in Swift that other teams haven’t brought out before. Swift is a reliable chain-mover if he gets the right looks at specific moments.
Other Fits
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens could use another running back in their depth chart. Even though the team has high expectations for Keaton Mitchell, he hasn’t been able to show that in the group. Justice Hill is their go-to backup if Derrick Henry goes down with an injury. However, they might benefit from adding a runner like Swift to get those easy yards of momentum.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs might have a running back problem up their sleeves. Isiah Pacheco is entering the final year of his contract and has to show that he’s a long-term answer. Despite that, Kareem Hunt has more juice, but maybe the Chiefs could use someone like Swift if Elijah Mitchell doesn’t meet expectations in his one-year deal.
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